Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand
- 2 days (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Board the ‘Milford Mariner’ for a Milford Sound overnight cruise along this pristine waterway, situated in New Zealand’s impressive Fiordland National Park. Cruise the entire length of the fiord before your captain anchors in Harrison Cove. Then, spend the night in a private single or twin-share en suite cabin, including a 3-course buffet dinner and breakfast. Listen to a nature guide on board and make use of provided kayaks to explore waterfalls and glacial-carved cliffs like Mitre Peak.
- Cruise the full length of the fiord on an overnight Milford Sound cruise
- Explore the many waterfalls, rainforests, and wildlife with your onboard nature guide
- Overnight in a private cabin with ensuite bathroom
- Use of kayaks is included
- Enjoy a 3-course dinner and breakfast
What's Included
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Overnight Milford Sound Cruise
- Private cabins with en suite bathrooms
- Use of kayaks or tender boats
- Drinks, fully licensed bar is available on cruise
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- RealNZ | Milford Sound CruisesMilford Sound Visitor Terminal, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand
Please check in 30 minutes beforehand. Check in closes 15 minutes before departure, with gates closing 5 mins prior to departure
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.4:00 pm
Itinerary
Explore the spectacular fiords of New Zealand on an overnight cruise—a leisurely way to see Milford Sound. Make your way to the Milford Sound Wharf to board the Milford Mariner, a purpose-built vessel designed to accommodate passengers in private single or twin-share cabins with en suite bathrooms, catering to those who enjoy a combination of comfort and adventure.
Take a seat in the observation lounge or large open deck to view the stunning landscape of the South Island’s Fiordland National Park from the water. While the cruise boat departs, you’ll glide past cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests, and cliffs carved by ice-age glaciers.
The knowledgeable nature guide on board points out natural landmarks, such as the oft-photographed Mitre Peak, and discusses the area’s wildlife. Keep an eye out for sunbathing fur seals, as well as penguins, dolphins, and even the occasional whale. If you’d like, relax with a drink in hand, sold at the licensed, onboard bar.
After reaching the open sea, your captain hoists the sails for a period (subject to favorable weather conditions) before returning the Milford Mariner to Harrison Cove to anchor overnight. In the sheltered cove, enjoy activities including sea kayaking and exploring the shoreline on the tender craft, or simply relax on deck.
Your overnight cruise includes a delicious 3-course buffet dinner, served in the spacious dining saloon, before you retire to your private cabin for the night. The next morning, enjoy a hearty cooked breakfast and further cruising before you’re returned to the Milford Sound Wharf.
Take a seat in the observation lounge or large open deck to view the stunning landscape of the South Island’s Fiordland National Park from the water. While the cruise boat departs, you’ll glide past cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests, and cliffs carved by ice-age glaciers.
The knowledgeable nature guide on board points out natural landmarks, such as the oft-photographed Mitre Peak, and discusses the area’s wildlife. Keep an eye out for sunbathing fur seals, as well as penguins, dolphins, and even the occasional whale. If you’d like, relax with a drink in hand, sold at the licensed, onboard bar.
After reaching the open sea, your captain hoists the sails for a period (subject to favorable weather conditions) before returning the Milford Mariner to Harrison Cove to anchor overnight. In the sheltered cove, enjoy activities including sea kayaking and exploring the shoreline on the tender craft, or simply relax on deck.
Your overnight cruise includes a delicious 3-course buffet dinner, served in the spacious dining saloon, before you retire to your private cabin for the night. The next morning, enjoy a hearty cooked breakfast and further cruising before you’re returned to the Milford Sound Wharf.
Day 1
Overnight in Milford Sound
2 Stops
Milford Sound (Pass By)
1
Milford Sound
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Spend the evening in your own private cabin.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast aboard the Mariner before departure
2 Stops
1
Milford Sound
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Mitre Peak (Pass By)
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a bed
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Maximum capacity - sleeps 60
- Vessel information: The cruise has spacious viewing decks, dining saloon, fully licensed bar and observation lounge.
- Need to bring: Non-slip shoes/ boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent, swimwear (optional), camera, cash for bar and snacks. Overnight bag only required.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 64 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 161 reviews
mc93433, Mar 2026
Great cruise. Spectacular views. Knowledgeable staff. Very friendly and helpful. We had beautiful weather and easy sailing.
Peter_S, Nov 2025
If you want to do milford sound cruise this is the one to do. Great staff food and scenery. What's not to love. Had the sound to ourselves.
Teresa_H, Nov 2025
This overnight cruise was exceptional. We were able to see the penguins and tons of waterfalls from the cliffs. The stateroom was excellent and clean. The staff and food was plentiful. Great excursion for a family or couples.
Fariborz_G, Nov 2025
It’s an experience that can only felt by being present. Unbelievable nature and beauty. Will visit again
anikabatkin, Apr 2025
Fantastic experience. All staff very friendly and approachable and guide very knowledgeable. Boat had great facilities and very special to get to spend a night on the fiord.
Eva_W, Jan 2025
If you are thinking about booking this, then definitely do it. It’s a well organised tour of one of the natural wonders of the world, we got to kayak and swim in the sound, and saw dolphins and seals along the way. The crew are really lovely and Ro was a superb nature guide, offering insights into landscape, wildlife and Māori history and culture from the land. Informative and fun, the living quarters and food were great, and we were basically the only boat on the Fjord.
Martin_O, Oct 2024
A fabulous trip in magical surroundings
The crew were excellent and so helpful and friendly
Definite recommendation!
Maunil_K, Mar 2020
Experience was very good. Only a little expensive. We got see dolphins. Food was good. A few vegetarian options were also available.one can also take early morning cruise of Milford sound if they are finding overnight cruise expensive
Donna O, Aug 2017
Fabulos way to experience the Milford Sound! Good accommodations and food but the best is spending the night on the water and waking up to the beautiful scenery!
Melinda G, Apr 2017
Amazing overnight stay!!
Location was incredible!
Staff - very friendly and accommodating - made you feel at home as soon as we boarded!
Rooms very comfortable.
Definitely a must do for first timers.
Would certainly do again!!
Christine C, Apr 2017
Enjoyed every moment! The staff were professional and friendly, the food was excellent. We were fortunate to have perfect weather. I was worried about leaving our car with all of the luggage in it...no problem. I was concerned about cabin space. We had a private bathroom...no problem (slept)!
Catarina A, Mar 2017
Wonderful experience! We got to see the whole sound and got lots of info on the nature and history.
Mark F, Jan 2017
Excellent Trip. Tour of the fford in both the evening and morning inc commentary, kayaking, nature cruises, great food, slideshow, very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Highly recommended.
Jared_G, Jan 2017
Undoubtedly the best way to see Milford Sounds, particularly if you have limited time. The cruise departed at 4:30pm, just when the last of the day tours where finishing, leaving us the entire of the sounds with just one other overnight vessel. We saw sunset and sunrise on the sound, were well-fed and looked after by the Captain and his team and were well-informed by the on-board tour guide. After kayaking, seal-spotting and having some great weather, the trip was well worth the journey and expense.
Barbara_R, Jan 2017
It's pretty good, the cabin is clean and the food onboard is really great. However cruise itself is very short : it's like 1.5h in the evening and similiar in the morning and you basically go the same route which is a little disappointing.
Louise_M, Nov 2016
We did the overnight Milford Sound tour which was truly amazing. In the evening we had 5 inches of rain which really enhanced the scenes before us, the number of waterfalls that were flowing grew expodentially and taking the trip out on the boats tender was an added bonus. In the morning clear bright blue skies but the number of waterfalls was reduced by two thirds but still very spectacular. The on board nature guide showed us rare penguins, seals, birds etc and the Captain took the boat up close to see them in their natural habitats. We would highly recommend this tour in the South Island.
Geoff H, May 2016
A brilliant experience not to be missed if you are in the South Island. We enjoyed every moment in spite of the weather. The crew, all so friendly and opportunity to chat with the captain up on the bridge. Great company , food, nice cabin and learnt a lot about the whole area.
Patricia S, Mar 2016
Had the best time will be back again.Your stall were excellent a special thank you to Stu for making this trip our best adventure in new zealand
jillian g, Mar 2016
We loved this trip
Great staff, beautiful location, I would go again.
Samantha I, Mar 2016
fantastic experience from start to finish. fun, friendly and professional staff. the food was fantastic and plentiful, easily catering to my gluten free requirements. cabins comfortable. stu was a stand out. had great fun on the tender and enjoyed his slideshow. i would recommend it to anyone.
John N, Feb 2016
Excellent cruise really enjoyed it. Would have preferred higher cabin as I could not see through the window. We were very lucky as the weather was perfect, could not tell you was on a boat.
Food was great, well above our expectations.
Would recommend this to anyone.
Nicolette J, Nov 2015
We had a fabulous time on this cruise, the weather was perfect and the staff very helpful. The food was lovely although the seafood went very quickly. Activities included kayaking or a boat ride and swimming. We had seals come up on the landing of the boat at the stern. Being there in the evening and early morning when all was quiet was amazing, so peaceful.
Tyler M, Nov 2015
If you are going to make the trip to Milford Sound--and you should-- this is the absolute best way to take the beauty in. The overnight trip was one the of highlights of our 2 week New Zealand trip. The cabins were clean and comfortable. We found the food to be very good. The staff was absolutely fantastic-- everyone was extremely kind, very friendly and easy to engage and learn about everything the sound had to offer. We left feeling this was money extremely well spent.
Phillip O, Oct 2015
We had the best of both worlds. On the afternoon cruise to the overnight mooring location pouring rain caused all the dry waterfalls to appear and the permanent waterfalls to really pump, it was awesome. The rain cleared overnight and the morning cruise was clear and sunny and absolutely magnificent. The cruise staff were fantastic and food sumptuous. Good beds.
Willows, Oct 2015
Great trip, very informative thanks to guide Stu. Must be one of teh most beautiful places on earth.
rsprotty, Jul 2015
Loved it
Staff were terrific service outstanding
Free to get as involved as you like
Food great
Views to die for
Best sleep I had in ages
Barbara L G, Apr 2015
This tour was the highlite of our 15 day trip to the south island. Great boat great crew extremely beautiful scenery. Don't miss the opportunity to see it.
Lbettinson, Apr 2015
The most fantastic trip. Great evening, great meal and views to die for!
Pamela C, Mar 2015
Superb tour. Naturalist was excellent. Guide for our small boat was too. Everyone was very personable.
Food and accomodations were wonderful. And our weather covered all the bases except gale. Loved it.
Cheryl K, Mar 2015
Had a wonderful time on Mariner. The Captain was informative and pleasant. Nothing was a trouble for the crew they were caring, knowledgeable and efficient. We managed to arrive in beautiful weather and awoke to find it had rained during the night. the next morning the Sound was amass with waterfalls mountains and wildlife, truly beautiful.
Likely to Sell Out
From $787.98
per group (up to 2)-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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